Quarantine Stuff.

It's been, to put it bluntly, a shit week. I've been sick since last Thursday, quarantined with my boyfriend who also has Covid. The news has been devastating and everything feels pretty hopeless. Aside from waving my arms around helplessly and declaring this The Bad Place, I'm not sure how to proceed so I will link a bunch of stuff that's kept me occupied. 

But first, here's a good article that outlines ways you can support the Uvalde families. And another that outlines ways to help the Buffalo community. What is even happening. 

Reading:

Before I got sick I'd been working my way back through a bunch of Kate Atkinson books, which are some of my absolute favorites to re-read because they only get better. I've re-read most of the Jackson Brodie series and was re-reading Life After Life, a WWII story told in a post-modern multiverse timeline, when I got sick. (It's been adapted by the BBC which I am VERY excited about even though it's not available in the states yet.) 

I had a few days where reading anything wasn't possible but then I finished it up and damn, this book is a gut punch every single time. It's so complex and weird and dark completely GOOD. I'll follow up with a re-read of A God In Ruins but I am taking a break with some lighter things.

Marianne sent me Funny You Should Ask by Elissa Sussman and y'all, it's exactly what you want to read when you're recuperating. It's not perfect, but it's fizzy and awkward and FUN. It was possibly inspired by this Chris Evans interview which is a good time in and of itself. Marianne and I have talked about who we'd cast in various roles which is also fun to think about. 

I also recently read That Summer by Jennifer Weiner which was not her best but it's very much worth reading if you like Jennifer Weiner. It's got big #MeToo energy but I found the ending a bit disappointing. Marianne and I both also recently read Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir which we both loved, but both agreed that we are lukewarm on the ending. I won't say anything more about it (it's impossible to discuss without spoiling it) but if you liked The Martian as much as I did, you'll dig this one too. 

Watching:

Because I'm in quarantine with my boyfriend, everything we're watching is a joint agreement, though I feel I should mention that I recently re-watched all of Sex and the City on my own to see how it holds up (it doesn't but the clothes are amazing) and even though it was full of cringe I really, thoroughly enjoyed it. Make of that what you will. Anyway, here's what we've been watching this week:

Shining Girls - Good lord, how is Elizabeth Moss so good? She's so good. This is a creepy-ass thriller and it's one of those shows where nobody ever turns on a light on but it's really excellent. 

Slow Horses - Good lord, how is Kristin Scott Thomas so good? She's so good. This is a very cool spy show and you just can't go wrong with KST and Gary Oldman. 

The Big Conn - We just finished this and it's a jaw-dropper and also quite depressing. But this guy, I swear. Definitely worth a watch if you like docs about amazingly horrible con artists. 

Workin' Moms - We just finished the new season and it's hilarious and fucked up and great. If you haven't heard of this show, get into it and thank me later. It's a ride. 

Footnote:

And, just holding me together is the song Matilda by Harry Styles which Marianne introduced me to it and oh geez. It's like a hug from one friend with a dysfunctional family to another. How does he know? There's no live version of it but this song off the new album is also very, very good and you can watch him sing it. Oh, Harry.

Outfit of the Day: Still With The Shorts.

Hello! Here's an actual outfit that I photographed despite the disgusting endless rain. Why you gotta be like that, June? Anyway, this is very much a Zoom outfit:

  

I mean, hahaha, look how cute I am from the waist up. I guess I'll start from with the top which is a thrifted Dolan blouse I originally wore here. (Wow wow wow. Who is that lady?) Dolan makes all manner of cute peasanty tops, like this one and ooh, this one both from Nordstrom Rack. For something in a similar print, this Topshop blouse is awfully pretty and how great is this leopard blouse from LOFT? 

Alright, down to business. I'm wearing the Gap shorts from last week (why did nobody tell me the link was wrong? I fixed it) and they only have a few sizes right now, but they have restocked a few times. They're good shorts  - mid rise with a grown-person 5" inseam and they're nicely slouchy. Also, they are true to size. NOW. I also mentioned a pair of Joe's Bermuda shorts that I was waffling about keeping: 

They live with me now. I did that thing where I wore them around the house and an hour later I just casually reached back and pulled off the tag. I mean, they are SO GOOD. These shorts are soft and comfy and just the right amount of slouchy. (PS. I went up a size in these.) I wanted a Bermuda length that wasn't tight or aggressive and I apparently just needed to spend a stupid amount of money to get them. Fine. FINE. I'm supposed to be in Prague right now but instead I buy shorts. Everything is fine. Details: 

I'm wearing my labradorite and Onyx necklace made by my friend Maryellen and I love it's boho vibe for summer, while still being black and grey just for me. I'm also wearing my Lulu Frost evil eye earrings that I bought a few months ago and then completely forgot about. You can still find them on Posh and the like, but there are tons of good evil eye stud earrings out there. I love this pair for it's fancy bling, this pair for being coolly understated and this pair for being outright creepy in the best way. EYE BALL LOOKING AT YOU. 

A close up of the Joe's shorts and my Birkenstock Gizeh sandals in copper. The Gizeh is a really pretty, summery style and they're the Birkenstocks you buy if the Arizona is too hippie-sandal for you. (But you will buy the Arizonas eventually. Sorry, you will.) That's it for today! Next week I've been challenged by Marianne to wear an outfit that doesn't include any denim or Athleta. Like, maybe a dress? We'll see.

Outfit of the Day: Summer For A Minute.

Last weekend was glorious - the sun came out and it was hot. HOT-hot, not just spring-hot and I was all, IT IS HERE and put on sandals and shorts and was good to go. GOOD TO GO. Hahaa. Just kidding. Now it's in the 50s and raining. Cool cool cool. But, I did take an outfit photo: 

Sigh. So, this is that Wilt tee that I paid too much for but really love. I posted about it last month and hope a few of you bought it before it sold out! There are a few floating around the internet - here's one in the black colorway and you can get the same cut in solid colors as well. There's also this similar dip-dyed Wilt tee but it's still full price. 

Now, for these shorts. They're Madewell high rise shorts that I bought in March when they had them half off or something. They are...fine. Sincerely, they fit, I like the longer inseam and they aren't offensive but you know what? I am just going to say that maybe high rise shorts aren't my thing. Here, I fake-tucked so you can get a better look:

Hm, yeah. That high rise isn't what I want from denim cut-offs. With that in mind, I crawled back to my old denim shorts standby and ordered this pair. Yep, I broke my fast fashion rule for a pair of cheap denim shorts, but Old Navy does it best and I have learned my lesson. I might also have to order this button-fly pair but we'll see what happens. Also, just for fun I checked out Target's offerings and found this pair, which is mid-rise, comes in two washes and is on sale! I am just not feeling like paying a lot for play clothes right now and I'm betting you feel the same. Now, details:

The last time I posted this top I had a couple of people request a view of the drop hem from the back, so here you go. Be careful what you wish for. Now, jewelry: 

I'm wearing a labradorite pendant from Target from a few years ago. Currently they have this one that I think is really cool and this one has a similar shape. My little silver wings necklace is by My Precious Studio. (She's not currently shipping, but check back! Tere's jewelry is great.) 

That's it for today. I hope it's sunny and warm where you are. 

Outfit Of The Day: Dressing Like I've Got Somewhere To Go.

One of the things majorly bumming me out on a daily basis it my lack of motivation to put together cute outfits because WHAT IS THE POINT. However, it it also one of the things that makes me feel like a real human person, so every morning I strive to add in something new to the rotation - a favorite top I haven't worn in a while, a pair of shoes that isn't my Birkenstock clogs. I also make sure to put on a piece of jewelry, wear a tiny bit of makeup and maybe some perfume.  I was pretty much always doing this stuff for myself anyway, so why stop now? Anyway, here's what I'm wearing for a day of working from home:

 Hey, I didn't say it was super-flattering, but it feels like something I'd wear to work. I'm wearing a linen tee I bought at TJ Maxx the last time I visited Marianne. I can't find it online but this one at the Gap is pretty similar and this one at H&M! Linen is a little high maintenance but it feels dressier than your average cotton tee.

It definitely looks better tucked in but you can see by my face how I feel about that. My pants are the super-excellent Brooklyn Ankle Pant from Athleta. I've tried these on a few times and wasn't 100% sold but when they went on sale I went ahead and ordered them (assuming I'd probably return them) because my non-jeans/legging game is not tight and I needed a new option. They come in a bunch of solid colors and also an interesting grey plaid. Anyway, obviously I ended up keeping them and I'm really glad I did - they're comfy and light - perfect for spring/summer. I also love the tuxedo stripe down the side (which you'll see in a minute.) 

I added my new Lo&Sons bag with the Madewell strap because I feel complled to try it on once in a while (and I did use it for my weekly grocery run!) 

I ruined up the whole look with a hoodie because it's freaking cold in here. It's a really good hoodie though! This is my short Triumph Hoodie from Athleta and it's got a cozy zip up collar, thumbholes and zippy pockets. It's basically perfect. Details: 

More Madewell bling! I bought this necklace set a while ago when it was basically free. The set is cute together but I often wear the horn by itself. It's cute  and the quality is fine but I wouldn't pay more than $20ish for it (which is how much it is right now with the 40% off code.) 

This was mostly to show you the tuxedo stripe but I'm also wearing my Madewell leopard flats because I needed a Birkenstock break. The flats are nearly sold out but the leopard Alex Loafer are still in-stock and very on-sale! You're probably thinking, who's buying loafers right now? I don't know, but future you might be happy about it. 

Stuff I Like: Quarantine Fitness.

Hi y'all! If you follow me on my personal Instagram account you know I've been working out in the worst gym ever:

(yes, that's the same wall I use for my outfit pics!) 

Welcome to my spare bedroom. It's everything you don't want in a gym - tiny, not much equipment, full of judgmental cats. Since January I've been working (online) with a coach to get back all the muscle I lost last year when I hurt my shoulder. I was just staring to make real progress with my lifting at the gym when the Coronavirus hit and now I'm working out with not much equipment in a very small space. I know I'm not alone in this so I thought I'd share some of what's been working for me.

Equipment:

This is my yoga mat (which I talked about here) and it's still really good! It gets a lot of use and is starting to show some wear, but it's still going strong and I would buy another one. I use it for yoga, obviously, but also use it to protect the floor when I do kettlebell workouts.

When the gym closed I panicked and started pricing weights. They are...SO expensive. I settled on an adjustable kettlebell which was not inexpensive, but gave me a weight range between 5 and 40lbs. Not ideal, but DEFINITELY better than nothing. I was worried about the quality and even more worried when it showed up damaged. (The plastic piece that stabilizes the plates was cracked in several places.) I got a refund and was told to keep it so I've been using it anyway and I'm so happy to have it. It's good for deadlifts, squats and rows, not great for swings or anything too vigorous. I don't know that I can really recommend it but it's sold out anyway, so I guess it doesn't matter. If you're going to invest in weights, I'd just get regular kettlebells or dumbbells.

I also bought a set of inexpensive mini-bands which are fine for arms but I wish I had a bigger range - they're kinda wimpy for lower body. This brand - Arena Strength keeps popping up online and looks like a solid product for legs. Let me know if you've tried them!

So, to recap: My space is limited and my equipment kinda sucks but the workouts I'm doing are good and I can do quite a lot with what I have, plus bodyweight exercises. Which brings me to...

Workouts: 

Now, obviously I have someone writing workouts for me, which helps a lot. If you don't know what to do and can't spend the money for a coach, there are tons of free and low-cost options out there. I can't tell you what the right workout is for you, but here are a few I know about:

For a crossfit/bootcamp type workout, the WOD Women account on FB is posting a no-equipment workout every day. (You can also get a weekly plan at their Barbell Beauties site.)

If you do interval type workouts, I highly recommend the SIT app. It's free and super simple - just an interval timer that keeps track and beeps to let you know when to move and when to rest so you don't have to keep stopping  and resetting your phone's stopwatch.

I also really like @achievefitnessboston because they know their stuff and are excellent at breaking down exercises. They've been posting some fun at-home moves you can do with little or no equipment on their IG, so definitely check them out. They're also doing virtual classes for $9 each which I haven't tried yet but I suspect it's probably worth it, based on the kind of content they post on IG. (Plus, they just seem like nice people.)

Also, I was able to sign up for the Peloton app for a free three-month trial. Aside from cycling workouts they also have fitness classes, yoga, and outdoor walk/run classes led by instructors. I've done a few of the fun/power walk options which is nice when you need to get outside and want to do more than take a stroll. I also tried a few of the Peloton yoga classes but didn't care for them because they're what I call, "fitness yoga." Meaning, poses without the intent. The whole point of yoga is that its moving meditation so when you take that out it just feels like you're doing weird things with your body. It wasn't for me.

If you don't have a local yoga instructor doing streamed classes (my first choice) I really like Yoga With Adriene on YouTube. She has an enormous catalog of free yoga classes for all levels and her dog is really cute. What more could you ask for? Other than in-person classes where they clean the floor because you keep forgetting? Ugh.

I'd love to hear what you guys are doing - apps you love? Equipment to recommend?

We Discuss: Denim Check In.

M: I have declared that Monday is “check in with your jeans day”

A: Um. Have fun with that

M: 

M: I can’t buy all new pants AGAIN when this is over

A: I just went to the grocery store which is enough suffering for a Monday

M: 😂

A: You look cute, though

+++

A: Ugh, FINE

A: Don't I look happy? 

M: 😂

A: There was a bit of...shoe-horning

M: Mine left red marks. Humbling

A: Jeans. So rude. 

+++

Outfit deets! 

Marianne: Jeans: Madewell Mid-Rise Skinny, Sandals: Birkenstock Arizona, Top: Spell & The Gypsy Collective (similar top) 

Adrien: Jeans: Madewell Mid-Rise Skinny Crop (similar style) Top: Athleta Pure Luxe sweatshirt, Flats: Everlane (but maybe buy these instead), Necklace: Dean Davidson (similar on sale) 

We Discuss: Need, Want, NOPE.

M: Oh damn I LOVE these in the brandy color:

A: Ooh! Those are so pretty

M: Dang

A: I have enough Birkenstocks but I always want more

M: The limit does not exist

A: Lo&Sons is also having a great sale which is killing me

A: Even though I don’t need a thing

M: Don’t need no bag to go nowhere

A: Nope, but 40% off plus 15% off everything (code SUPPORTSMALLBUSINESS)

A: RUDE

M: BLERG

A: I know

A: But for why

A: I have two Hanover backpacks already

M: Yeah not even looking. But shoes! Always shoes

A: Absolutely

M: Also tempted by these Madrids, because I only have that style in the EVA version but like them a lot:

A: Oh, dang, I like those too.

M: Cute, right?

M: To wear NOWHERE I need to save my money for I don’t know what

A: I knooooowwww

M: It sucks

A: But, if there’s a color you really love, consider buying it because they will sell out and never show up again (I have learned.)

A: Sorry, End Enabling

M: Yeah that’s my fear

M: Seems like Anthro has some good stuff

M: But haven’t checked to see if it’s exclusive

A: They aren’t!

M: Good to know

A: I had a pair of Madrid years ago that I stole from my mom and totally loved them

A: But, the Eva version didn’t work for me

M: It’s a great style

M: That I feel like I lack 😂

A: Well, now I want them too so thanks

M: Happy to oblige

++++

A: Please talk me out of these terrible pants:

M: Adrien

M: You are calling them terrible

M: Because they are

A: Thank you

A: I have sale blindness

M: They look like something No Doubt era Gwen Stefani would wear with a wife beater tank

A: Hahahahaha

A: I liked No Doubt-era Gwen Stefani

A: which should surprise no one

M: Sure, but do you want to dress like that NOW

A: Who will even see me?

M: Adrien

A: FINE

M: I’m glad we had this talk

A: You are a good friend

++++

A: This just in: Everlane is garbage

M: I KNEW IT

A: Some of their part time workers tried to create a union in December and they were all fired under the guise of Coronavirus layoffs

M: What absolute trash

A: Fuck these assholes

M: Done forever

A: They are getting raked over the coals on social media

A: NEVER AGAIN

M: Good

M: Like so many people, when they started making real money their ideals flew out the window

A: They are worse than fast fashion b/c they pretend to be all transparent

M: Exactly

A: I’m glad that Madewell is now fulfilling my t-shirt needs

M: Oh, me too!

WFH Outfit of the Day: About What You'd Expect.

Okay, before I start can I just say how great y'all are? The comments yesterday completely made my day. Every single one of you is my favorite right now, so THANK YOU. We shall continue on with a focus on where we are right now. For example: here's what I'm wearing at home:

Yeaahhhh. I didn't promise it would be exciting so this is what it is. I am wearing my sad old David Bowie sweatshirt that I will wear until it falls off me. It's by Daydreamer who makes lots of cool (and overpriced) band tees. This Bowie tee by Lucky Brand has a very similar vibe (oops, bought it) and this amazing Athleta sweatshirt is not Daydreamer or Bowie but I own it and it's SO soft and is 25% off. I wore it in a Zoom meeting yesterday so it's also totally work-appropriate. Heh. Now, my pants:

These are the Headland Hybrid Moto Tights from Athleta (25% off everything right now!) and I've been switching back and forth between these and the cargo version pretty much every day. They have more substantial material on the front and the back is stretchy yoga-tights action. I LOVE THEM. So comfy but also cute and look like real pants, kinda? Highly recommend for a WFH situation in which you want to feel like you're wearing real clothes but also want to be comfortable. My sneakers are by York Athletics and they're pretty cool but I still look like a dork in sneakers. I don't know how people do it. 

Yeah, sorry, I couldn't take it and tried this outfit with my Cole Haan Chelsea boots and OMG IT IS SO MUCH BETTER. I'm also fake-carrying my new Madewell camera bag which barely got to see the light of day before the lockdown. Poor little bag, maybe I'll use it to carry around my secret work snacks*.  Details: 

Look how sad this sweatshirt is! Poor thing. My little wings necklace is by My Precious Studio and my long pendant is from Pyrrha Jewelry. I'm also wearing thin silver wire earrings that are hard to see, but they're similar to this pair. 

Look at that snack-holder! So cute. I am hoping it'll become my best summer bag. One day. 

*If you're not hiding your WFH snacks from your spouse or children you are doing it wrong, fam.

State Of The Blog (and Quarantine Luxuries.)

Hi guys, Adrien here. I've been spinning my wheels the past few days trying to figure out what to do about the blog, so I thought I'd just ask: what would you like to see here? What would be helpful? Do you want an escape in the form of online shopping recs, or does that feel completely tone-deaf?

I understand I am one of the lucky ones - I have a full time job that I'm able to do from home and I don't have kids, so I am not having to juggle full-time parenting with a WFH set-up. I definitely understand that everything right now is bigger and more serious than a great sale at Nordstrom, you know?

But real talk - this blog supplements my (non-profit level) income. I am thankful for the incredible generosity from the readers who are kind enough to trust our recommendations and purchase through the links. This blog helped me through a divorce and supported me when I was very single and quite broke. That said, I wouldn't keep posting if it wasn't also fun and this blog certainly couldn't have survived ten years if we didn't have amazing and loyal readers. Thanks so much for coming back again and again. (Even if we're a hate-read! We'll take it.)

So, what feels right? Do you guys care about work-from-home outfits? Do you want to know how we are transitioning to working from home? Do you want products recs to make your at-home life more comfortable? Book recs? TV recs? Tell me what would be helpful. And hey, if you just want online shopping recommendations, y'all know we will always have those.

Now, a little distraction. My good friend Heather recently posted on Facebook asking what our biggest quarantine luxuries are. It turned into a really fun conversation and ended with me blowing a BlueMercury gift card on the following:

This Molton Brown hand soap was my friend's #1 quarantine luxury. If you have to wash your hands thirty times a day, might as well be fancy about it, right? I also bought a second Kosas lipstick (in Fringe) because I love the formulation and wearing a bit of lipstick around the house makes me feel less like a sloth: 

And, I re-purchased my current favorite moisturizer which is the only thing my face can handle when I have a bad reaction (often triggered by stress):

It's not crazy expensive and it feels amazing on my face - my skin just soaks it up. Fair warning: it contains mineral oil which some beauty experts say is the devil but even Caroline Hirons, who hates mineral oil, gave Avène a pass because so many people swear by it. If you have reactive skin, definitely consider trying this moisturizer. 

That doesn't really answer the question about what my quarantine luxuries might be, but it's a start: fancy, comforting products and maybe these leggings in blue which Athleta just put on sale. Oh, also, those Target Archer Farms snack mixes are LEGIT.

So, your turn! What do you want from the blog right now? Also, what are your stuck-at-home/quarantine luxuries, big or small?